Am I Depressed?

I’m Depressed!

There won’t be many of us who haven’t had those words roll off our tongues at some stage in our lives, its a much over used statement, but what is the difference between having a crappy day and deep rooted Depression, clinical depression.

Am I Depressed?

The first issue is to work out if it is actually depression or is it something else. There are lots of illnesses which can mimic depression, for example Anxiety symptoms are very similar to depression characteristics and not knowing the real diagnosis can mean that the treatment you receive may also be wrong or not the most suitable.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Bipolar symptoms both effect our sleep quality, our ability to concentrate and also increase worry, which just happen to be similar traits of depression. So getting the right diagnosis is essential.

You should be an active participant in diagnosing your problem or illness, after all, I tell all my clients that they are the expert on them selves. When considering treatment options, it can be tempting to look for a quick fix, of which there is none.

Whilst medication in the form of anti-depressants may block and take the edge off the most serious highs or lows, they act as a band aid, the underlying reasons for depression will remain. So ask your  GP about Counselling, this will actually help you to address the underlying reasons for the depression and with the help of a trained and caring counsellor, you will build up a therapeutic relationship which will act as a crutch whilst also building your life skills and resilience.

Sometimes for the more severe forms of depression, you may even consider anti depressants and counselling combined. Many people learn the skills and techniques in counselling and they become part of their coping strategies and the need for medication is often reduced.

If you’re not sure if you are depressed or may have some other issue, you could start with this depression questionnaire

If you are then concerned that you may be depressed, then first talk to your GP or doctor and ask for a full mental health assessment.

If you are feeling unsafe, that you may harm your self or someone else, then you should call the mental health crisis team or attend your local Accident and Emergency department as soon as possible.

Many of my clients have worked through depression and now live a much better quality life after the interventions of coping strategies and life skills combined with support from a counsellor who understands depression and wants to help. Online counselling is a good option if you fear leaving your home.